MOST of us suffer with aches and pains now and again, but 42-year-old Rachel Fay is in constant pain most of the time.

The 42-year-old mum from Christchurch has suffered with fibromyalgia for almost 20 years, a condition which causes persistent pain in many areas of the body.

Rachel contacted the Daily Echo after reading about Angela Edward’s battle with ME, otherwise known Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, in last week’s health section.

“The two conditions are very similar and, like ME, not many people are aware of fibromyalgia, but at least I can get out and about.

“Some people are completely bed-ridden with ME.

“The main difference is that with fibromyalgia you need to do regular light to moderate exercise – walking or swimming is ideal – otherwise you would seize up.”

Rachel says she started suffering with neck pain following the birth of her eldest son – the first of three boys.

“I thought it was the aftermath of having a baby but when the pain got worse I was referred to a rheumatologist.

“It was misdiagnosed originally and I was told it was because I had one leg shorter than the other, which had put my spine out.

“They also tried to suggest that it was all in the mind.

“The trouble is there is no specific test for fibromyalgia. It doesn’t show up in blood tests or X-rays and many people just aren’t aware of the condition.”

Rachel adds that, like ME, sufferers often have problems with fatigue because it affects sleep patterns which in turn exacerbates the aches and pains.

“Sometimes it feels like you’ve gone 10 rounds with Tyson and everything hurts.

“It also makes you more sensitive to pain,” she says.

“There are lots of off shoot symptoms with fibromyalgia too – you can also get dietary intolerances, sinus problems and depression.

“What’s very frustrating, though, is that when you apply for a job it’s considered a disability but when you want to apply for benefits it’s not, which has caused some controversy in the past.”

Although there is a local support group in Christchurch, Rachel feels there should be more done to raise awareness of the condition.

“There are probably many women out there who have these weird aches and pains and are wondering what’s wrong with them,” says Rachel.

“I would advise anyone experiencing joint or muscle pain and fatigue to get it checked out but you need to be persistent because not everyone is up to speed with it.”

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia and doctors don’t know what causes it, Rachel says at least she has a resemblance of a normal life.

“It does impair your quality of life but it’s not life threatening or debilitating – it’s persistent pain but it’s not going to kill me.

“The best approach is to just get on with it – don’t let it beat you.”